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Shop the Room: Nod to Nautical

by
Esteban Gonzalez

Feeling the need to escape to Martha's Vineyard for the weekend? Who isn't? If you're not able to jet off to the island, however, follow these guidelines to get the look of this seaside retreat designed by Molly Luetkemeyer of M. Design Interiors. The result is a fresh take on tradition and an overall feeling of coastal ease.
Painting your walls in a bold blue feels like a big commitment. Some may feel the lawyerly likes of Olivia Pope (of ABC's Scandal) would be needed to guide them through the battle. But, fear not, for here is a tip that can negate any need for a "fixer": install wainscoting in your room to give your walls more intrigue, and also reduce the amount of paintable space. Wainscoting starts at the chair rail (moulding placed where the top of a chair would hit the wall) and continues down to the baseboards. It is often painted white and leaves about two thirds of the wall to be painted. This downsizing allows for a bold colour to have a more manageable moment. To match this room's blue we recommend Farrow & Ball's Cook's Blue No. 237.
The art of mixing prints is a fine one. Some seem to have it mastered, and others are merely amateurs. Become a master by incorporating three different varieties of pattern at all times. In this case a striped chair, large-scale floral pillows, and small-scale floral roman shades create a trio as dynamic as The Supremes. Although the patterns all use different colours, they are unified by a blue hue that makes an appearance in each.
A nod to nautical was our first impression of this room. It isn't a place for a fisherman to shake off his rubber boots by any means, but we can tell a sandy beach isn't far off. Channel this feeling by accenting the room with seaside décor. Notice a seafaring vessel makes its way above the sofa, a piece of natural coral grows from atop the mantel, and a handsome pair of lidded baskets seems appropriate for the latest catch. These subtle touches will set the maritime mood. Now all you need is an open window and a sea breeze (or a good scented candle).